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SWest states arrive at plans of action to tackle food shortage.

In line with the resolutions of the South-West Governors Forum meeting held in Lagos on June, the Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Seye Oyeleye, has said the zone is poised for buoyant harvest next year going by measures taken by the six states of the South-West. At the meeting hosted by the forum chairman, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governors had at the end of the meeting acknowledged efforts of the federal government to ensure food security while mandating their commissioners for agriculture to begin to meet and set up a working template which will ensure collaboration based on each state’s comparative advantage in the sector.

* **Coordination and Information Sharing:** The commissioners have prioritized establishing clear communication channels to ensure everyone is aware of the current situation and the potential impacts of various events.

The report highlights the progress made in the implementation of the ECOWAS agricultural policy, with specific focus on the six states. The report also details the progress made in the implementation of the ECOWAS trade policy, with specific focus on the six states. The report also details the progress made in the implementation of the ECOWAS financial policy, with specific focus on the six states.

This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and ultimately contribute to food security. The state government has also implemented a robust policy framework for the agricultural sector, encompassing various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security. This framework includes measures like the establishment of agricultural research centers, the provision of training programs for farmers, and the development of agricultural extension services.

Adeleye, a political figure, expresses his support for the President’s directives. He states that the actions being taken are “carrying out” the President’s orders, emphasizing a sense of obedience and loyalty. **Detailed Text:**

Adeleye’s statement reveals a complex interplay of political dynamics and the role of leadership.

This intervention fund, according to the commissioner, is aimed at supporting farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. This fund will be used to purchase inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and other essential agricultural supplies. This is a significant step towards ensuring food security in the state.

He added that the state government has also been proactive in ensuring farmers get access to the right information and resources. The summary discusses the actions taken by the state government to support farmers. However, it lacks details regarding the specific actions taken and their impact. This request asks for a more detailed text that expands on the claims made in the summary and provides further context.

The Nigerian government is committed to improving food security and agricultural production. The government has allocated funds for the purchase of tractors for farmers. The government is also exploring other agricultural machinery to support food production.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to boost agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the state. The state government has also invested in infrastructure development, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. The state government has also implemented a comprehensive program to address food security, including the establishment of food banks and the distribution of food aid to vulnerable communities.

We are also the biggest producer of agric produce in the state. We are also the biggest producer of rice in the Osun State. We are also the biggest producer of cassava in the Osun State. We are also the biggest producer of maize in the Osun State. We are also the biggest producer of yam in the Osun State. We are also the biggest producer of tomatoes in the Osun State.

He further stated that the state government is working on a plan to reduce the cost of rice in Lagos. This statement highlights the state government’s proactive approach to addressing the rising cost of living in Lagos. By utilizing local produce and collaborating with international partners, the government aims to mitigate the impact of inflation and ensure food security for its citizens. The governor’s commitment to rice production is particularly noteworthy.

A. Broiler Production: A Boon for Farmers
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This scheme, he said, had helped to reduce the cost of broiler production and increase the income of farmers. **Key Points:**

* **Broiler Production Scheme:** The state has implemented a successful broiler production scheme. * **Beneficiaries:** The scheme has benefited farmers in the state and beyond. * **Cost Reduction:** The scheme has helped reduce the cost of broiler production. * **Increased Income:** The scheme has increased the income of farmers.

The summary provided focuses on the efforts being made to address the issue of insecurity in the farm. It highlights the collaboration between stakeholders in the sector and the positive impact of this collaboration on the farmers. **Detailed Text:**

The issue of insecurity on farms has long been a significant concern for farmers, hindering their productivity and livelihoods.

The summary provided focuses on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing agricultural machinery, specifically tractors, and the solutions proposed to address this issue. **Key Points:**

* **High cost of tractors:** Smallholder farmers often face significant financial constraints, making it difficult to afford tractors. * **Hiring vs.

Olaleye said, “We have trained our extension officers on the Farmer’s Booking Application and we are doing this in partnership with Hello Tractors. “What this means is that extension officers can go to the farm now based on the request of beneficiaries, take measurements, co-ordinate activities and tell us the exact size of the farmland. “This will make it possible for us to know the number of hectares the farmer has and make it possible for us to determine the 50 percent payable on that. “We are also going to be working with private tractor owners who are going to be tracked. The Farmers’ Booking App we have is such that, as our extension workers are booking farmers, we can monitor the exact size of the farmland from our office in Ibadan.

“We can also see the way the tractors are working and know the exact size covered on the same farmland.” According to Olaleye, a total of 2,347 smallholder farmers from across the state working on 9,315 acres of land had already signified intention to participate in the exercise, expressing the hope that more farmers would still enlist. Ogun The Ogun State government recently distributed 24,000 bags of fertilizers to farmers to boost production. Governor Dapo Abiodun, during the distribution, said the gesture would in no small way address the challenge of food inflation and insufficiency. Also, the state government recently supported no fewer than 30,000 farmers to boost rice production.

The farmers were put into clusters for improved production of rice, maize, and cassava, among others with the provision of land and other subsidised items. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, noted that 60,000 farmers had been captured under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, with plans to capture an additional 100,000 farmers before the end of the year. Owotomo expressed satisfaction with the progress of farmers in the cluster, noting that the farm was part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project initiative, and was expected to yield 1,400 tonnes of rice upon harvest, saying the move was in line with the state government’s objectives to improve agricultural production.

This statement highlights a key aspect of the agricultural landscape in the region: the role of government support in driving agricultural development. The government’s support, in this case, is not just about providing land or resources, but also about creating an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. This can include things like providing access to credit, training, and market information.

Ogun State government has also established a number of agricultural research centers and institutions to support farmers. The state government is also providing financial assistance to farmers through various schemes and programs. Akinmade further stated that the Ogun State government is committed to promoting the agricultural sector through various initiatives. These initiatives include the establishment of a state-owned agricultural bank, the development of a comprehensive agricultural policy, and the creation of a dedicated agricultural ministry.

He said: “We are equally unveiling 31 newly purchased tractors with full implements for the use of our farmers in the state, which is the first phase of this project. “These tractors will be released to farmers’ cooperative societies and associations after all necessary administrative procedures have been concluded. “This is also in line with the promise made to our resourceful youthful population during the last #End Bad Governance protest.” Adeleke also said that the state government was committing another N8 billion to the acquisition of tractors and farm clearing equipment. He added that a N2 billion worth of farm inputs support would also be provided.

The governor also recently set up an 18-man implementation committee on food security within a short, medium and long term matrix. The committee chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru, had recommended a series of solutions to address food security challenges which are divided into short, medium and long-term agenda. On farm security, the committee recommended the establishment of Farm Security Network comprising personnel from various security agencies, including traditional leaders; integration of the services of local vigilantes and hunters. Others are immediate education and training on farm security and pest control for farmers; strengthening of collaboration between local and official security forces with knowledge of the region for farm protection; staging orientation programme for Fulani and farmers; introduction of border poisoning plants; introduction of physical measures to protect farm borders; launching of Community-based Security Intelligence Programme and passing into law of the Anti-Open Grazing bill.

**Expansion of Farm Activities**

The committee has reviewed the current state of agricultural activities in Osun State and made recommendations for expansion and diversification. The committee emphasizes the importance of investing in farm equipment for increasing productivity and efficiency. The committee recommends a public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure access to modern equipment for farmers.

On tracking of food prices, the committee further suggested conduct of a market survey of food items in Osun State; the purchase of rice, garri and other staple foods in bulk and sale at controlled prices; implementation of a short-term initiative to sell essential foods to households at controlled prices for the next three months; establishment of Osun Food Mart at each Senatorial district for easy buying and selling of the subsidized products. Others are to establish Market Task force on tracking foodstuff marketing and pricing; form an ad hoc committee to track and address issues such as hoarding, fake measurements, and price manipulation in the short term, as well as enforcing compliance with regulated food prices; promote the establishment of storage facilities to ensure better food preservation and availability; implement a policy for buying back excess yam and potato tubers to manage supply and demand; establishment and drafting of price regulations policy among several others.

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